As part of this initiative, the Grail in the U.S. is opening its Grailville property in Miami Township, Clermont County, near Loveland to community partners interested in land-based micro projects.

“While this new initiative might seem to be a radical departure from our recent history at Grailville, it, in fact, draws on almost 75 years of our history in providing educational experiences,” according to Grail in the U.S. executive director, Terrie Puckett.

Approved projects will be temporary, replicable and portable and will also advance at least one of the 17 United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

Besides direct experience and education the applicant groups will achieve, the Learning Lab projects will showcase how community members can use the open-to-the-public outdoor space to support the renewal of earth at their homes and in their daily lives, according to the Grail.

Through a series of Eagle Scout projects, steps moving toward the development of the Learning Labs have been ongoing for about four years, the Grail said. The projects included a floating wetland (Sayre Stejbach, Troop 55), a butterfly garden (Ben Volk, Troop 55), a welcome kiosk (Jakob Hockl, Troop 402), an edible forest (Alex Almaguer, Troop 635), two moveable sheds (Sean Grinsted, Troop 55), and a garden water catchment system (Evan Sugrue, Troop 55).

With the expected addition of a portable mini-greenhouse, The Grail said it has developed the infrastructure necessary for moving forward.

If you are an educator, community-based organization, or cultural organizations and want to know more send an email to office@grail-us.org.